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Some teachers in the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District camped out over the weekend to be first in line to leave the district Monday morning. (Published Monday, March 5, 2012)

Some teachers in the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District camped out over the weekend to be first in line to leave the district Monday morning.

Many teachers were excited to leave, because they'd be paid up to 10 percent of their salary to retire or resign, up to $8,000.

The district offered the incentive to 15 elementary teachers and 25 middle and high school teachers.

The first teacher in line started camping out Friday afternoon. Another teacher, who's been with the district 35 years, said it's time for something new.

"It's just been wonderful," said teacher Sally Shelton. "It's just a chapter of my life that's ending, but new adventures are just beginning so, it's mixed emotions."

Some of the rules for the campout: only 30 minute breaks are allowed, sleeping in your car is OK, no one can take your place in line and a 3-hour trip home would be allowed.

The incentives are being offered as a chance for the district to cut costs as they forecast upcoming budget woes.

"This plan is beneficial for both eligible employees and our district," said Tommie Johnson, Executive Director of GCISD Human Resources in a written statement to NBC 5. "If an employee is considering resigning or retiring at the end of the school year, this incentive might be a reason for them to make decisions about their future sooner rather than later, and knowing that information earlier will help the district as we move through the staffing and budgeting processes."

The school's superintendent said having volunteers helps avoid involuntary layoffs in the future.